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Depression in adults

Depression is a common mental health disorder characterised by low mood, loss of interest and pleasure, fatigue and reduced energy. Treatment is available and most people make a full recovery.

Depression in children and young people - Read more at helsenorge.no

Depression in older adults - Read more at helsenorge.no

Depression in adults - Read more at helsenorge.no

Other symptoms of depression

  • Poor concentration and attention
  • Reduced self-esteem and confidence
  • Feelings of guilt and inferiority
  • Negative and pessimistic thoughts about the future
  • Lack of initiative and difficulty making decisions
  • Suicidal thoughts and plans
  • Sleep problems
  • Reduced or increased appetite
  • Reduced sexual interest
  • Anxiety, restlessness and agitation

Many people experience different combinations of depressive symptoms. The number of symptoms a person experiences also varies. Although there are many common features, depression can manifest itself in very different ways. Depression also varies in severity, from mild to severe, which affects the choice of treatment.

We all experience periods in life when we feel low and lacking in energy. This is completely natural. A depressive disorder, on the other hand, is characterised by a type of low mood that can put a lid on both positive and negative feelings, including joy and sorrow. A person with depression often feels emotionally empty and flat, and may feel that nothing matters any more. They may become self-critical and dwell on failures and their own inadequacy. Passivity and indecisiveness are also common, along with physical pain and discomfort.

We often talk about a depressive episode because most cases of depression last for a limited period, and people usually feel better after four to six months. Treatment can lead to recovery even faster. However, most people who have been depressed experience one or more new episodes of depression during their lifetime. That is why measures to prevent depression from recurring are important.
 

How can I get help to develop healthy habits that can improve my health?

Municipal Healthy Life Centres (helsedir.no)are municipal health services that provide evidence-based support for changing lifestyle habits and coping with health challenges.Information for patients and relatives about Healthy Life Centres (helsenorge.no)

Referral and assessment

To receive treatment from specialist health services, you need a referral. It is usually your GP who refers you for assessment and treatment, but other healthcare professionals can also refer you. Based on the referral and the priority-setting guide “Mental health care for adults”, we will assess whether you are entitled to treatment from specialist health services.

Assessment

Depression manifests itself differently from person to person and can have many different causes. Treatment must therefore be tailored to each individual. Some people have a few clearly defined problems, while others may have many different difficulties. To provide appropriate treatment, it is important to assess the problems you are seeking help for. The assessment involves conversations and the use of various assessment tools. Your thoughts and opinions about which measures are best for you should carry considerable weight. Your clinician should listen to what you have to say, and your views should be taken seriously.

The following are important in the assessment:

  • Past and current mental health disorders and physical illnesses
  • Risk of suicide
  • Use of intoxicating substances
  • Childhood and upbringing
  • Mental health disorders in the family
  • Past and current adverse events
  • Problems in your personal life and at work
  • Personal resources and the possibility of support from others
  • Whether you have children and whether they currently have special needs that should be addressed

It is important to establish when the depression began and what you think may have contributed to triggering the problems. It is also important to find out whether you have experienced episodes of depression before. What you learned from these episodes, such as what helped at the time, may be useful in addressing your current problems. Since depression can be part of bipolar disorder, this should also be assessed.

It is recommended that your clinician use questionnaires as a tool to assess the severity of your depression and monitor your treatment. As a patient, you may benefit from your clinician giving you feedback on the questionnaires, including to help you see whether the treatment is working.

Based on the assessment, your clinician should be able to make a diagnosis based on the number and severity of your depressive symptoms and the extent to which they make it difficult for you to function in everyday life. You and your clinician will then draw up a plan together, and you will receive clear information about different forms of treatment. If you wish, you are entitled to an individual plan to coordinate the services provided.

See separate information about individual plans (helsenorge.no)

Treatment

Here are some common goals of treatment:

  • Reduce depressive symptoms and prevent relapse
  • Gain insight into the various links between depression and life circumstances.
  • Learn coping strategies that provide greater confidence and control
  • Gain more knowledge about depression
  • Get help managing various life challenges
Treatment for depression usually consists of a combination of different measures. For many people, talk therapy is the most important measure, possibly combined with medication. If you wish, it is natural to arrange for relatives to take part in some parts of the treatment. Treatment may include:
 
  • Information about depression and how it can be understood and managed
  • Information about the benefits and possible side effects of medication
  • Talk therapy aimed at gaining insight into and changing negative thought patterns and feelings
  • Discussions about past events that affect your current problems
  • Discussions about difficulties and dilemmas in your everyday life
  • Measures related to work and school
  • Advice on how you can limit the time spent worrying and ruminating
  • Physical activity and other activities that can give you a sense of achievement

When neither medication nor psychological treatment has helped, electroconvulsive therapy, called ECT, is sometimes also tried.

Shared decision-making

If you have depression, there are several possible treatments. You and your healthcare professionals can work out together what is best for you. This is called shared decision-making. Taking part in decisions is your right.

Shared decision-making means that you receive information about the advantages and disadvantages of the different options. You can then weigh them up with your healthcare professionals, based on what is important to you.
 
Here are three questions you can ask your therapist:
  • What options do I have?
  • What are the possible advantages and disadvantages of these options?
  • How likely is it that these advantages and disadvantages will apply to me?

 

Physical exercise for mental health conditions
Depression in adults – medication treatment
Electroconvulsive therapy (electrostimulation) – ECT



 

Follow-up

After you have completed treatment with us in specialist healthcare services, you may benefit from follow-up care from your GP and other healthcare professionals in primary healthcare services. A useful tool here is a relapse prevention plan, with specific measures you can take based on your experience of what helps.

If necessary, your primary healthcare provider can seek professional advice from us. You can also discuss the possibility of a new referral if this becomes relevant.


Last professionally updated 17.03.2023

Contact

  • Contact Midtre Agder DPS

    Location

    We have an outpatient clinic and inpatient unit at Liane Ringvei 33 in Kristiansand.


    Outpatient clinic and mobile acute care team at the hospital site at Eg, Andreas Kjærsvei 101 in Kristiansand    building 22and     22B.

     

    En bygning med et skilt på forsiden

    Liane Ringvei 33

    Liane Ringvei 33

    Postboks 416, 4604 Kristiansand

    Find your way

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder kollektivtrafikk to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses when travelling to and from your place of treatment.

    As a general rule, you must use public transport, and you must pay a co-payment. To be reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

  • Contact Østre Agder DPS

    Location

    Opening hours

    • Today CLOSED

    Rykeneveien 106

    Rykeneveien 106

    Rykeneveien 106, 4824 Bjorbekk

    Directions

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses when travelling to and from your treatment location.

    As a general rule, you should use public transport, and you will have to pay a deductible. To get reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Practical information

    Does the appointment not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally on helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are due to visit if you need a new appointment time. You must be a registered user of Helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard at: 38 07 30 00
    ​


    Visiting hours may vary between departments and locations. Please check with the department where you have an appointment for more information.

    See an overview of the hospital departments

    General visiting hours:

    Arendal:
    17:00-19:00 on weekdays
    14:00-16:00 and 18:00-19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Flekkefjord:
    14:00-15:00 and 18:00-19:00
    Maternity ward: 17:00-19:00 (quiet time/no visits: 14:00-16:00)

    Kristiansand:
    17:00-19:00 on weekdays
    14:00-16:00 and 18:00-19:00 on weekends and public holidays

    Postnatal ward: 16:00–18:00 every day for the newborn’s healthy siblings.

    Many patients and relatives want to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. Of course, you are welcome to do so, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few helpful tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must obtain consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents must consider what is best for the child. Once the child has turned 12, their views must be given considerable weight. Once the child has turned 15, they decide for themselves whether they are comfortable being photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without your permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not comply, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recording
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you take part for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you do not participate is illegal.

    We encourage everyone to use their mobile phones considerately and be mindful of fellow patients. It is important to silence your phone at night and set it to silent or vibrate during the day. To avoid disturbing other patients, it is a good idea to leave the room if you need to have a long conversation.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping to ensure that Sørlandet Hospital remains a smoke-free environment.

    If you need an interpreter, please notify the hospital well in advance of your appointment. Interpreter costs are covered by the health service.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest on your network and follow the login instructions.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area that has not yet been covered.

  • Contact the Psychiatric Hospital Department, Arendal

    Dydens vei 22, Arendal

    Dydens vei 22

    Dydens vei 22, 4838 Arendal

    Directions

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses when travelling to and from your place of treatment.

    As a general rule, you must use public transport, and you will have to pay a co-payment. To be reimbursed for the travel expenses you have paid, you must complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Practical information

    Does the appointment not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally on helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are going to if you need a new appointment time. You must be a registered user on helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill and need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient yourself, a relative, or a parent of sick children who have siblings. We at the hospital will help ensure that children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as next of kin

    Many patients and relatives want to take photos/videos or blog about their time at the hospital. This is of course permitted, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a few good tips for using social media if you are a patient or relative:

    • Be considerate of others. You must obtain consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while they are in hospital.
    • It is up to parents/guardians to decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of their children online. Parents must consider what is best for the child. When the child has turned 12, their opinion must be given considerable weight. When the child has turned 15, they decide for themselves whether it is okay to be photographed and whether the photo may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted pictures of you online without permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not listen, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recording
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you take part for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you do not take part is illegal.

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Anyone wishing to park on hospital grounds must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, parking can be paid for with EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. See the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking using the EasyPark app, at the parking meter where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment on the website

    Overview of parking spaces at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers as vehicles enter and leave the parking garage through the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you have not created a profile onAutopay.io​, you can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter the vehicle registration number. You can pay by card.

    Pay automatically

    Register as a customer with your vehicle registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once you have registered, you will pay automatically every time you park in the parking garage.

    At certain times, for example when there is a lot of snow, it can be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend that you allow plenty of time.

    For electric cars:

    Electric cars are charged a fee from the first hour.

    Do you need to charge your car? Not all our hospital sites have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You should therefore not count on being able to charge your car while you are inside as a patient or visitor. You can see all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map - Norwegian EV Association​

    Blood donors park for free at the hospital.
    For more information, contact the blood bank.


    Guardians of children (under 18) who are staying in hospital for more than 14 daysreceive free parking for the remainder of the child’s stay. This also applies if the child’s stay begins at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit entitles you to free parking in designated spaces
    Contact the Service Desk to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise stated on the sign.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    Free parking is available for expectant mothers outside the Women’s Department at the hospital in Kristiansand. The maximum parking time is 2 hours.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping Sørlandet Hospital remain a smoke-free environment.

    Need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in a range of life situations. They meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. The hospital chaplains are available around the clock, every day of the week, for patients, relatives and staff.

    Would you like to get in touch? You can ask hospital staff for help or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00.

    The hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and belief communities.

    If you need an interpreter, please let the hospital know well in advance of your appointment. Interpreter costs are covered by the health service.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest in your network list and follow the instructions to log in.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area where it has not yet been installed.

  • Contact the Psychiatric Hospital Department, Kristiansand
    Nybygg psykisk helse inngangsparti i grønne omgivelser. Foto.

    Andreas Kjærsvei 93

    Andreas Kjærsvei 93

    Andreas Kjærsvei 93, 4615 Kristiansand

    Directions

    Transport

    You can reach our locations by public transport. Visit Agder public transport to find your route:akt.no

    You may be entitled to reimbursement of necessary expenses when travelling to and from your treatment location.

    You should generally use public transport, and you must pay a patient co-payment. To get reimbursed for travel expenses you have paid, complete a travel expense claim form and send it toPatient travel.

    Practical information

    Does the appointment not suit you? If you receive your appointment letter digitally on helsenorge.no, you can now send a message directly to the department you are visiting if you need to reschedule. You must be a registered user of Helsenorge to access the service.
    You can also contact the department where you have an appointment or call the switchboard on: 38 07 30 00
    ​

    Children and young people are affected when someone in the family is ill, and need to understand what is happening. You may be a patient, a relative, or a parent of a sick child with siblings. We at the hospital will help ensure that the children and young people in your family are well cared for.

    Children as relatives

    Many patients and relatives would like to take photos/videos or blog about their time in hospital. You are welcome to do so, as long as you respect the privacy of other patients and staff.

    Here are a couple of useful tips on using social media for patients and relatives:

    • Be considerate of others. You must obtain consent if you want to take photos or videos of patients or staff. All patients are entitled to privacy while in hospital.
    • Parents/guardians decide whether you may take photos of children or publish photos of them online. Parents should consider what is in the child’s best interests. Once a child has turned 12, their views must be given considerable weight. When a child has turned 15, they decide for themselves whether they are happy to be photographed and whether the photos may be published.
    • Remember that staff must also give their permission if you want to publish photos you have taken of them.
    • You should remove content you have published if the person concerned asks you to. If someone has posted photos of you online without your permission, you can ask them to delete them. If they do not comply, you can contact: www.slettmeg.no.

    Audio recording
    It is not illegal to record conversations in which you are a participant for private use. However, publishing and sharing recordings requires the consent of the person you are speaking with. Secretly recording conversations in which you are not a participant is illegal.

    Have you worked in healthcare or received healthcare outside the Nordic countries during the past year?

    This may include, for example, a hospital stay, extensive outpatient treatment or a dental appointment. In that case, your GP must test you for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (such as MRSA).

    Ask your GP to send you the test result before your appointment with us, and bring it with you when you come to the hospital.

    Parking at Sørlandet Hospital is subject to a fee Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00. Anyone wishing to park on the hospital premises must follow the signs and instructions on the payment machines.

    At the hospitals in Arendal and Kristiansand, you can pay for parking using EasyPark (mobile app) or by card at other locations. Check the signs for payment options and time limits.

    At the hospital in Kristiansand, you can register your parking using the EasyPark app, at the machine where you park, or on the Flowbird website.

    Register payment on the website

    Map of parking spaces at Eg in Kristiansand
     

    At the hospital in Arendal, cameras read vehicle registration numbers as vehicles enter and leave the parking garage using the Autopay service. Follow the signs and read the instructions.

    Pay at the payment machine

    If you have not created a profile onAutopay.io​You can pay at the machine by the main entrance. Enter the vehicle’s registration number. You can pay by card.

    Automatic payment

    Register as a customer with your registration number and bank card at www.autopay.io. Once registered, you will pay automatically every time you park in the car park.

    At certain times, for example when there is a lot of snow, it can be difficult to find a parking space. We therefore recommend allowing plenty of time.​

    For electric cars:

    Electric cars are charged from the first hour.

    Need to charge your car? Not all our hospital sites have charging stations, and those that do have a limited number. You therefore cannot count on being able to charge your car while you are here as a patient or visitor. You can see all charging stations here:

    All charging stations on one map – Norwegian Electric Car Association​

    Blood donors park for free at the hospital.
    For more information, contact the blood bank.


    Guardians of children (under 18) who have been in hospital for more than 14 dayscan park for free for the remainder of the child’s stay. This also applies if the child’s stay began at another hospital. Contact the hospital department for more information.

    A valid disabled parking permit gives you free parking in designated spaces
    Contact the Service Desk to register your disabled parking permit. Vehicles displaying a disabled parking permit are exempt from time limits unless otherwise stated on the sign.

    Parking for expectant mothers in Kristiansand
    Parking is free for expectant mothers outside the Women’s Department at the hospital in Kristiansand. The maximum parking time is 2 hours.

    Smoking can cause discomfort to others. Thank you for being considerate and helping Sørlandet Hospital maintain a smoke-free environment.

    ​Need someone to talk to? Our hospital chaplains have extensive experience supporting people in a variety of life situations. They will meet you on your terms, regardless of your faith, beliefs or outlook on life. The hospital chaplains are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week, for patients, relatives and staff.

    Would you like to get in touch? Ask hospital staff for help or call the switchboard on 38 07 30 00.

    The hospital chaplains can also put you in touch with other faith and belief communities.

    ​If you need an interpreter, please notify the hospital well in advance of your appointment. Interpreter costs are covered by the health service.Helsenorge.no

    Patients not fluent in Norwegian are entitled to an interpreter.Helsenorge.no/interpreter

    All visitors can use the hospital’s free wireless internet.

    Look for HSO-Gjest in your network list and follow the instructions to log in.

    If you cannot find the network, you are in an area where it has not yet been installed.

TEST VERSION
Machine-translated copy of sshf.no for testing only. Not official information.